16.04.09
Responsible Travel
1) What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My Sicilian Experience was, quite simply, exhilarating. Weeks later, I still reflect upon the time I spend in Sant'Ambrogio daily. The brief sojourn touched a vein and spoke a truth to me. The most memorable part, if you can call her that, was my host, Carmelina. Not only is she personable and flexible, but it's clear that she cares deeply about her work and about her place. And that was the second most memorable part - the connection the people I met have to Sicily and to their town. It's so clear that they know where they ought to me and that they focus on making it the best possible place to be. Many of us search our whole lives for that connection, that sense of place. The rooms are quite lovely, only surpassed by the views of the sea and the Madonie Mountains. I also had the pleasure of visiting a shepherd making cheese on a hillside and of visiting the local Santa Anastasia Winery, where they give an outstanding tour. The vineyard provides work for many local families... and most delightfully exports right to my home town. And I cannot recommend the horse riding enough (n.b. the Italians ride English). What a stunning way to see the mountains, vineyard and sea. We rode through a herd of cows (mucca), early blooming meadows, cork trees, and more, and so many unique natural elements were beautifully and lovingly described by the cavallero. Do check on tours of Cefalu and the surrounding area! The Sicilian Experience is earth-bound, yet heavenly. I yearn to go back.
2) What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's so easy to try to check places off when touring a new place, but don't try to do too much. Relax and soak in the warmth and ambiance of this lovely Sicilian town and its neighbors. Go to the cafes and have a caffe to the giggles and admiring glances of the young men (and not so young), Walk by the water and up the cobblestone streets. Go to the winery and give it a try, following a tour. Try horse-riding, if you know horses, or do a guided walk. I don't usually do guided tours, but I had the pleasure of really feeling as though I were getting to know some of the local people and seeing the beauty through their eyes. And try some freshly made cheese. But truly, Carmelina & her friends will draw you in and make this experience more than a simple tourist venture. Ask for suggestions, relax, and eat a mandarin from the tree.
3) Do you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
During my stay, I was picked up from the train station and did very little driving thereafter, with the exception of an evening excursion, when it was a bit too chilly for scooters. I rode a scooter to the horse barn and a horse to the vineyard and ate food out of the gardens. There's no nasty diesel trucking of ingredients for the cheese-making. The goats hang out right next to the cheese shed. And Carmelina uses natural cleaning products as much as possible. Cooking evening used locally grown ingredients (and wine!), and low wattage bulbs graced the sconces (could be rather romantic). I do yearn after one of those clever eco-water heaters! Obviously, all garbage is sorted to compost, recyclables and true waste. Although I'm loathe to have too many people discover my secret place and not be able to find space for myself in future, I cannot help but recommend this magical corner, as it will bring additional funds to a unique area that must be preserved, both in natural and human resources.
4) Finally how many stars would you give your holiday overall?
Five. Without a doubt, five.
Cheers,
Catherine Kane
11th September 2008
Beautiful apartment in the best location! Everything that we could ask for and all self contained. The village has uch loving feel to it and the community is so nice. The suroounding towns are just as amazing too! Carmelina was helpful and made our trip whole. In all best experience and one of a lifteime . Definitely coming back
Nadia Hazife,Tia, Nikki, Amber (Western Australia, Perth )
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My boyfriend and I had a wonderful week in the delightful Sant'Ambrogio in an apartment just minutes from the beach. Carmelina is passionate about Sicily and owns many historical apartments in the area. I would thoroughly recommend a booking via this site if you are looking for a more authentic experience of Sicily away from the tourist crowds
Emily (UK)
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28.09.08
What a great holiday
What a lovely village
What a beautiful apartment
What a relaxed time
What an exciting region
PS: we played the tambola /at Sherbeth Festival) as well so let us know...
Thank you for everything Carmelina
Elisa (Germany)
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Simon and I just spent our honeymoon in Villa Deodata, a lovely villa with stunning views of the mountains and sea. The villa was very well equipped and child friendly (as our seventeen month old Patrick can confirm!)
It was the perfect place to relax after a hectic few months and in such a beautiful setting it was very easy to do so. Carmelina was the perfect hostess providing local information and tips. We loved the villa and Sicily - it doesn't feel like a tourist venue yet it's easy to feel at home here. Everyone loves children and spolit Patrick our son rotten which he loved. We enjpyed the trips to Castelbuono, Mount Etna, Palermo and so on. We will definitely be going back.
October 2008
Sarah Kirwan (UK)
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Me and my girlfriend had the best of the experiences we could expect at Sol Levante, in Sant'Ambrogio. The village and surroundings are exactly what you dream of when you think about a proper break, and our guests went out of the way to make us feel at home. They were discrete, charming and attentive. The house is a tastefully decorated self-contained 200-years old small cottage with superb views and beautiful garden and small dettached kitchen (but literally next to he bedroom). Ideal for a couple looking for a getaway. The same family has other apartments available in the 3 store building next to it, overlooking the sea and the islands. You have to see it to believe it.
I would definitely recommend this property to others.
Antonio (UK)
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We have now visited Sant'Amgrogio for the past two years staying in the Paradiso apartment with its fabulous balcony and wonderful views. Carmelina is very warm and friendly and nothing is too much trouble. For us this has definitely become a place that we will want to return to again and again. It is a real Sicilian experience in a village that makes you want to be a part of it. The surrounding areas are beautiful and a very relaxing experience. We look forward to our next visit.
Chris & Fred Allen (United Kingdom)
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Carmela,
We had a great time in Sicily. House was lovely. Thank you very much.
Thu, 25/9/08
Vicky Castelli (UK)
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25.09.08
A wonderful relaxing break in a beautiful location. Everyone we met in the town was very friendly and our host Carmelina could not have been more helpful. She made us feel very welcome, offered numerous suggestions and made this holiday one of the best we've been on. Sicily is a beautiul place and we hope to return in the near future. Carmelina best of luck for the website and best wishes for the future.
Lee Rowley & Nani Patel (London (UK))
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loved staying in San Ambrogia -wonderful views/walks into the mountains.Lots of places to visit .Carmelina is a special hostess and very experienced guide for walks/general touring.She is simply the best
Maree creighton (Australia)
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Our stay in your house was a real treat. We felt totally at home straight away and everything we needed for a very relaxing stay was there! The views from the house down towards Cefalu are spectacular and can only be best appreciated by staying at the house. You wake up in the morning, open the top floor bedroom windows and 'wow' what a view!!
The spot is great as a base to explore the area. Access into Cefalu is very easy indeed and is well worth several visits! The walking around the house is good too and the beach down below the village is easily accessible and has spectacular sunsets - all in all we had a holiday to remember....!
We do hope that your venture to develop your angle on bringing visitors to the area works well for you and we thank you and the guys at the agency for being SO helpful during our stay.
All the best,
Andy, Laurence, Jamie and Emilie..
Andy, Laurence, Jamie and Emilie.. (UK)
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Staying at Villa Deodata was an amazing experience. Nestled in the hillside with spectacular views of the coastline through the olive grove and fruit orchard , the house had everything we needed.Close proximity to the beautiful town of Cefalu and other picturesue villages ensured we had plenty to do if we could tear ourselves away from the tranquillity of the house. Carmelina , with her passion for, and knowledge of, all things Sicilian, ensured that our stay would be unforgetable. We look forward to a return visit in the near future. Thanks Carmelina!
Nada and Herbie Schmidiger
( Australia...July 08)
Nada and Herbie Schmidiger (Australia)
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Having just read all the testimonials above I can only agree with everything that has been said, the Sicilian Experience as enjoyed by us in the lovely, unspoilt village of San Ambrognio, was one not to be missed. We stayed, along with two friends, at the Casa Gatto. The house is lovely and the perfect venue for two couples sharing, with sea views to remember during our long winter months at home. There is so much to see and do, the past is all around, the beauty of the scenery, the lovely food and wine, the sun, the sea, the volcanic island but, best of all for us, was the people, so friendly and full of fun, it was a truly great holiday. We can highly recommend the people of the village, the bus driver to Cefalu, the lovely mandolin player and his wife, the people in the mini-market, the tour bus driver who serenaded us up the twisty roads into the incredible mountains but full marks to Caramelina who looked after our every need with a smile, nothing seemed too much trouble. We would recommend you go and enjoy yourself.
Ron & Alys Shepherd (Ireland)
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Congratulations to Carmelina for
finishing her website !
During our stay in Sicily we spent a
wonderful week in the beautiful appt.
Paradiso with the balcony over the roofs
of San Ambrogio and a stunning view
to the sea and the first rocks of Cefalu.
Our hostess Carmelina is very sweet,
charming and helpful.
San Ambrogio is a typical sicilian village
with nice people and a good place to
discover the surrounding area.
We will certainly recommend this appt.
to our friends and hope to come back
one day, too.
Ursula and Raymond Tannous (Germany)
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We had a wonderful stay in Sant'Ambrogio. Carmelina's enthusiasm for Sicily is so infectious - if you don't want to fall in love with this extraordinary island, stay well away from her, or you will definitely fall under its spell!
Kate (Oxford) (UK)
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We have just returned from Sicily having stayed at Apartment Paradiso in mid to late October 2008. The apartment was beautiful, simple and met all our needs. Carmelina was as everyone describes, helpful, friendly and an excellent host for all things sicilian. The weather was superb at this time and the sea warm and inviting. The village of St Ambrogia is well situated for exploring both sea and mountains. The countryside in the Madonie is stunning, the mountains magnificent. The people are warm and friendly and even with our poor italian we never felt misunderstood. The food, the very best of Italian. Thank you Sicily and Carmelina for introducing us to your way of life. We will be back.
Penny and David.
Penny Wainwright, David Butcher (Devon, England)
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My friend and I had the most amazing time in Sicily. It was definitely my favourite destination of all the places I visited in Europe.
We stayed in Sant'Ambrogio and felt so welcomed by Carmelina and also the town locals. Carmelina has such a wide and passionate knowledge of the area and recommended us to visit charming towns and picturesque locations which took our breath away.
The beach, just a short walk away from the apartment, is beautiful and peaceful. Our apartment had everything we needed.
We really felt that we got to experience Sicily in the most authentic way. Thank you so much Carmelina - I hope we can return in the near future.
Natalie Giuffre (Australia)
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31.10.08 Casa del Sole
A great week in what seems to us a typical Sicilian village. We enjoyed the peaceful nature of the island out of season. The views from the terrace are fantastic and eating breakast out there after receiving a text from England saying it had snowed there ws one of our highlights. The beach at Cefalů was a favourite and we climbed te rock one day - wll worth it for the view but a bit tought on the thighs. Both Taverna del Borgo ad Pizzeria were great, the menu wasn't in place at the Taverna as there weren't many customes o we had what the wonder could provide which was really good. Back to the cold reality of the UK after some very welcome autumn sunshine in a lovely apartment.
PS: thanks to Stefano & Rosanna fro the help with the luggage.
Neil, Mandy, Alistair & Robert Haggs (Reading, England)
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We stayed in the Paradiso flat in San’Am. for 3˝ weeks with our 7 month old son. And it was fantastic. Just the view from the terrace remains one of the best memories from our 2 month Sicilian trip. San’Am. is a very nice and quiet village with great surrounding landscape, and it provides a great base for exploring the North Coast of Sicily and particularly the Madonie Mountains (a must see!). Carmelina is an exceptional helpful and welcoming host always ready with suggestions of what to do next; thanks a lot for a great stay. Highly recommended! And by the way, regards to Francesca across the road for following the life of Elmer so closely. See you all next year – we hope. Sara & Jeppe
Jeppe, Sara & Elmer (Denmark)
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29.08.08
"Great place to enjoy Sicily"
"The apartment was just awesome. The village of Sant Ambrogio was quiet and laid back and we could just walk down to the beach. In fact that is what my wife and I did every day - just relaxed in the calm and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean every day.
Carmelina (our host) was very friendly, nice, and helpful. She gave us everyday tips on what we should do e.g. she recommended that we go to Castelbuono on Saturday evening and it was wonderful. She gave us excellent recommendations for eating out in Cefalu and Castelbuono.
Basically it was a wonderful trip and we would like to go back every year !!"
Kartick Suriamoorthy (München)
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Villa Boschetto - 23.10.2008
Thank you for letting us stay in your house. A beautiful lace with peace and quiet. Just what we needed. We spend quite some time on the terrace and made trips to Enna and Agrigento. Also we went hiking in the neighbourhood and with starting oint Santuario near Gibilmanna. We will leave the walking map in the house for the next visitors. The trails are unfortunately not signed. Driving in the hills and in the city is a challenge. I just hope the rental company will accept our car back after a week of hill climbing.
Chow Jelte en Theresa Hollema (Holland)
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Villa Boschetto - 22.05.09
The location was really perfect for us, absolutely quiet with a big terrace, deck chairs and umbrella. We spent most of our time hiking in the Madonie mountains and the Nebrodi national park. It's only possible if you have a good hiking description and a detailed map (we did!!).
The near town of Cefalů is a lovely spot to visit without too much tourism (which is the luck of early season). Palermo can be visited by train (45mins from Cefalů) parking can be found easily behind the railway station. All in all it is a place that we would recommend to friends. Thanks Carmelina for your warm welcome.
Ralph & Tony (Germany)
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Villa Deodata 16.04.09
What casn we add to eveything which has already been said?
We lved every minunte of our 2 weeks and are definitely coming back. Not only the house, but also the village, the people, the surroundings, the food and teh wine were great! We can definitely recommend the butcher and alimentari in the via Matteotti (off the Piazza Garibaldi) in Cefalů. Keeup up your good work, Carmelina and good luck with the floral village.
Helen, Raing (Germany)
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Villa Deodata - 6th May 2009
Sant'Ambrogio was the middle location of our 3 location stay in Sicily (others Monreale and Castellmare) and we have very much enjoyed being on the edge of the Madonie National Park. The hill-top towns and villages are extrodinary and the flowers have been great. We love the position of Villa Deodata, with is views over the sea and the rock of Cefalů, with its lighthouse winking at night. What a delight to be in such generous grouns which some of us wanted immediately to start to tend. We note fava beans from the end of the plot. We much appreciate the comprehensiveness of all the Sicilian Experience documentation, especially its attention to local cultural and environmental things not easily covered by guide books. We wish the enterprise every success for the future! We will mis the pine martens, the birds and so much else.....
Cedric & Nicola Brown; Arthur & Alice Marotti (UK and USA)
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Villa Deodata - 9th to 16th May 2009
This is absolutely the perfect home away from home. We love the personal touch Carmelina put into the house and friendly help she's been throughout our vacation. There are many things to do and see on the island, but staying at the house on a sunny day is just as nice.
Carmelina, all the best to you and we hope your drive and enthusiasm will make your plans and dreams a reality soon.
Berri & Madelon (Netherlands)
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Apartment Ciliegie - 15th April 2009
We will certainly never forget our week in Sant'Ambrogio. Some vivid memories horse-riding with Alessandro through the Madonie Mountains, walking across pebbles to Cefalů, an arrangement of flowers in Cefalů cathedral on Easter Firday so beautiful it took our breath away, the chilly air of Pollina. Men standing and chatting outside cafes of at tea time, with cigarettes and tanned faces. But most of all, Don asking me to marry him on a mountainside surrounded by cork-trees and wildflowers, and me saying Yes. And Carmelina Unforgettable, love and best wishes
Christine & Don (UK )
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Apartment Ciliegie -23rd April 2009
Our stay in Sant'Ambrogio was everything we had hoped for. The apartment was lovely and exceptionally good value for money. Carmelina was amazing and extremely helpful, friendly, well able to tell us the best places to go. The village itself is lovely, one of the best parts I being. The pizza place on the square, yum! On th whole beautiful place. Carmelina thanks for all the help and effort put in to make our stay comfortable.
Mel & Heron (England)
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This is the most beautiful place we could ever dream of. Friendly, cosy and personal, we will recommend it to everybody in Denmark! Thank you Carmelina you made our frist impression of Sicily perfect.....
Martin, Lukas, Hannalt & Rikke (Denmark)
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Apartment Paradiso - 04.04.09
We have really had a nice time here in the cosy apartment with the wonderful view! The place has everything for both grown ups and the small ones. our daughter Hannah fell in love with the goats and the goat-man and we fell in love with the spring in Sicily! Definitely hope to be back one day....
Carmelina thanks for all your help and friendlyness!! You made everything easier, All teh best.
Marie, Marten and Hannah (Denmark, Copenhagen )
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Apartment Paradiso, May 5, 2009
Dear Carmelina & guest to follow....Keep your positive spirit and connection to this earth, our only home. We enjoyed the tranquility of this village ands its surroundings and the apartment the only suggestions is coffee mugs for us North Americans, Best wishes
Mary Evans (Ortano, Canada)
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Apartment Paradiso - 21.05.09
We have loved every minute of our stay in Sicily and especially Sant'Ambrogio the hills, the beach, the balcony, the people - all great and makes you want to come back, we will, many thanks Carmelina
Julian and Jenny (UK)
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Apartment Paradiso - 29.05.09
"Think always of the universe as one living creature, comprising one substance and one soul: how all is absorbed into this one consciousness; how a single impulse governs all its actions; how all things collaborate in all that happens; the very web and mesh of it all! Marcus Aurelias
Ringraziamo coridalmente: il soggiorno nel "Paradiso" era meraviglioso. Ci siamo trovati molto bene dall Signora Carmelina. Sempre noi ricordiama a la gentilezza e l'ospitalit. Molto grazie, auguri
Friederch and Heidi (Germania)
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Apartment Sol Levante - Ovest 17th to 20th May 2009
Lovely accommodation very firendly people. We had a delightful stay. The climb up the rock of Cefalů was very rewarding. We also enjoyed a beautiful drive through the Madonie Mountains to visit the Medieval hill towns. For delicious loca, rustic cuisine, try the Nangalarunni restaurant in Castelbuono for some very memorable mushroom centred food.
Robert Perkins & Emma Purcell (London )
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Apartment Sol Levante - Ovest
Thank you Maria nd Jim for a wonderful 4 days. Fantastic views great food and lovely people. What a county and what a island, see you soon x R
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Apartment Sol Levante - Est 18/04/09
Very relaxing comfortable place to stay, jam, bread (homemade) were delicious and everyone has been really friendly. Thank you. Walking amongst the cork trees in Guarneri, was nice and we managed to find the beaches that Carmelina recommended - shame we kept finding jelly fish in the sea! The information file was really useful in helping us to explore the area.
Owen & Isabel (Huddersfiled, England)
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Apartment Sol Levante - Est 19.05.09
So relaxing and beautiful. Maria is the sweetiest, easy going host. The view, the peace, the birds' song - it has all been good for our souls. Many thanks to Carmelina too who has been and invaluable help and source of information and tips.
Annette, Jeus Peter, Carl & Conrad Kleiter (Copenhagen, Denmark)
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Case Saponara
A review of one of your holidays has been submitted by
Marcia Grima regarding Cefalu bed & breakfast accommodation
in Sicily, Italy via responsibletravel.com online feedback
submission form.
Please can you forward this email to the person who deals
with reviews so they can read the review and can comment on
any of the issues that have been raised by the traveller if
they wish.
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your
holiday? Picking lemons in the lemon grove by the house with
my four year old and making lemonade with her in the kitchen
upstairs. The kitchen has beautiful views of the mountains.
The place is extremely safe and we were lucky that another
family with children our's age (almost two and four) were
staying within the b&b at the same time. It was very safe
for the children to play outdoors.
The peak of our holiday was definitey discovering Fiasconaro
in Castelbuono which made the most delicious ice cream and
panettone we have ever tasted.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this
holiday? A car is a must at this b&b. It is great for
families with kids as one feels so safe. The place is also
a great refuge buried as it is high up in the mountains.
Make sure to ask for the information folder which is packed
with tips on things to do and see in the area.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people,
and minimized impacts on the environment? There are
recycling bins in the kitchen. We ate at the local
restaurants in Sant' Ambrogio and used their grocer. The
place is very clean as is the village itself.
The water in the shower takes some time to regulate which
leads to some wastage. The water need not be so hot.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
**** Some wonderful memories, I would not hesitate to
recommend it to a friend
Marcia Grima
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Casa Gatto 27/04/09 to 04/05/09
We parents, Elle 3 years and Matti 15 years enjoyed lovely week at Casa Gatto. Although it was very cold the wek before, we were lucky with the weather. It was often very windy up here - especially at night the wind was loud around the house - but we could enjoy breakfast on the terrace with a great view of the sea. We loved to hear the sea waves and the birds, to smell the flowers behind the house and to watch the sea at night. Although it was to cold to sit on the terrace at night, we took our chairs to the window of the big sleeping room, lit candles, opened the windows and enjoyed the view. The children loved to stroke the friendly dog behind the gate and the things fo playing firendly Mr Gatto gave them. Extremely to recommned is La Taverna del Borgo which is run by firendly couple, the food that Francesco cooks is just great! to cut a long story shor, it was fantastic!
Kristin Matti (Sweden )
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Apartment Violetta - 8th to 11th September 2009
Apartment just perfect for us, in a great location with lots of entertaninment - people watching from the balcony. Grateful for the lift to the apartment from the railway station, otherwise it would have hard work with our ruck sacs.
Top tips . watch out for poor exhange rates in the bank if dealing with travellers cheques. We resorted to the cash machines. Tourist info verty useful and friendly Paco Madonie office useful too. Sitting here watcking the fabulous thunder storms and heavy rain - most welcomed as it has broken the heat. Never thoguht I'd enjjoy the rain given we came here to excape the most awful Scottish summer ever!!! Off to the Islands for a few days and then who knows where after that. Enjoy Cefalu as much as we have.
Lorna & Ian King (Scotland )
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Apartment Paradiso - 06.06.09
Our stay at St. Ambrogio could not have been better. We enjoyed the people & surrounding areas immersely. Next time we wills tay for a longer time so we can see everything we missed this trip. First thing we will do on our return is to order up the Piccantino Pizza e local wine at Chiana! We loved Castelbuono, Pollina & Erice - all worthwhile trips. Carmelina's travel book is fabulous! Off to the airport to Tuscany.
Scott & Carrie (Seattle)
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Apartment Paradiso - 19.06.09
Dear Carmelina, thank you for the beautiful stay in S. Ambrogios' Paradiso. The memories we remain are:
Our arrival Saturday night, crossing a local street partly leaded by a lot of friendly and helpful local people.
sitting on our terrace, watching the fisherman at nigh, enjoying the Nero d'Avolo and Syrah of Sicilia, the local food (Carmelina olive oil is the best!!) and the very nice sunset.
Cefalu, Tindari, Castelbuono (Ristorante Palazzaccio!!!) and tomorrow Palermo and the best.
Because it's so lovely here, we decided to stay the rest of our holidays in apartment Luna (1st floor in the same house).
Catherine & Bendedict (Germany)
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Apartment Paradiso - 22.07.09
Dear Carmelina,
We spent magificent holidays in your apartment which seems like a paradise for us. We loved the terracea nd the view as the lovely area. Thank you so much help us to forget the cloudy France.
Amanry & Stephenie (France)
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Apartment Paradiso – 23rd – 27th August ‘09
Dear Carmelina,
Sincere thanks for working so hard to make this village a memorable destination for people from all over the world...we loved our stay here.
We have had a wonderful introduction to Sicily throughout our short visit & are looking forward to seeing more of this great country over the next ten days - though it will be very hard to beat the hospitality, help & humour shown us here in Sant Ambrogio & Paradiso. Good health, happiness & success to everyone involved in the Environment and Tourism projects in the village. Regards.
Christine & Dan (Dublin, Ireland )
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2 days at Paradiso passed by like “a search”.
Let’s sum our thoughts up in a few words:
• Authentic
• Romantic
• Cosy
• Lovable
• Sympathetic
• Friendly
• Helpful
• Natural
• Unspoiled
....we felt at HOME from the 1st moment thanks to you Carmelina thanks to the people of Sant’Ambrogio. Thanks so much for having us.
Andreas & Alexandra ((CH) & (GER))
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Apartment Paradiso – 09.09.09
Dear Carmelina,
Thank you, so much for all your kind help. We have had an amazing time here and do not want to leave!
This village is very special and everywhere we have visited people have been so warm. Thank you for helping us with our poor Italian! The trips to Etna e the islands were great. We really enjoyed the walks and the fantastic scenery.
Lovely to have met you and I hope your projects for the village are a great success we care sure they will be....
Amanda & Steve (London)
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Apartment Paradiso – 26 september 2009
We spent our honeymoon in Paradiso. It was such a perfect place to stay, we could hardly bear to leave the beautiful roof terrace and views of the Aeolian Islands.
But when we did leave the terrace we felt such a part of the welcoming community of Sant’Ambrogio. Many, many thanks Carmelina for your help & hospitality we had a wonderful time and are so sad to leave. We will be back again!
Siobhan & Steve (Ireland and U.K)
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Apartment Paradiso – 31 October 2009
Wonderful week! Our first visit to Sicily but hopefully not our last. The sights, sounds and taste of Sicily will stay with us for a long time. Words are not enough to say and a week is not enough to stay.
Arrivederci Sicilia
Philp & Jennifer ((UK))
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We have spent a week in this lovely place in June 2009 and that was our honeymoon. Mimmo & Rosi prepared excellent red wine in downstairs cellars which you really have to try out!
Stephano & Luna (Moskua)
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Il Pagliaio - September 2009
We’re had a wonderful holiday & spent many hours just sitting on the terrace & looking at the sea. Would highly recommend La Taverne in Sant’Ambrogio also going to Agrigento to the Valley of the Temples.
Sarah & Kevin (Oxford)
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Sol Levante – 26.09.09
Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable the apartment was great a real home from home and a real find. Lovely food & people. We will definitely recommend the apartment to friends and family. We hope to come back again sometime thanks for the great ice cream! Mille grazie.
Matt, Sarah, Dan, Anne
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Villa Deodata – 9th to 16th May 2009
This is absolutely the perfect home away from home. We have the personal touch Carmelina put into the house and the friendly help she’s been throughout our vacation. There are many things to do and see on the island, but staying at the house on a sunny day is just a nice.
Carmelina, all the best to you and we hope your drive and enthusiasm will make your plans and dreams reality soon.
Berrie & Madelon (Netherlands)
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Villa Deodata
Dear Carmelina
We have had such a wonderful week. The villa has been a home from home . The views are spectacular, we even had a thunderstorm to entertain us. Apart from a little black & white cat visiting most days. We were also visited by a Pine Marten. Cefalů is a great place to visit we recommend everyone take the time to climb to the top of the Rock. Exhausting, but wroth it just see the views. Thank you for your hospitality e we hope to return to Sicily in the near future.
Mayra & Graham Smith (Cambridge, England)
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Dear Carmelina
Thank you for your hard work and endless effort to make Gail and my stay here in Sicily absolutely amazing. We have really experienced and tasted Sicilian life and met such wonderful people, all of whom seem to love and respect you so much! I hope very much your hard work pays off I am sure it will with your years of experience to allow people to relax and enjoy the culture here. Take care Carmelina. Sicily will always be my thoughts and I hope to return.
Pauline Roenesch (Oxford)
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We had a fantastic stay here and loved the house and surrounds. Somehow we collected 4 cats visitors each day to entertain us. It was so comfortable and quiet, we were very lazy and mainly stayed close by, enjoying Cefalů and various nearby beaches. We will definitely be back, thank for the warm welcome.
Jane & Family (Birmingham UK)
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Villa Deodata - 20.07.09
Thank you for this fantastic stay. We enjoyed the wonderful views, the nice, cosy village and the wonderful surroundings. We definitely will recommend this place to others and hope they will enjoy it as much as we did!
Best wishes
Minke, Erik, Melissa, Thomas, Jannele, Meryn e Cyriel (Amsterdam)
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Villa Deodata 22.08.09
We enjoyed peaceful days in very beautiful setting. It’s so good to know the sun will be there tomorrow morning as it used to be every morning for the past 3 weeks.
Nice place, nice people, excellent food and lots to visit. We’ve really refilled our bellies here! Thank you Carmelina.
Irene, Thomas, Lea & Jasper (Hamburg)
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Villa Deodata 28th August 2009
Dear Carmelina
What a lovely relaxing home you have here. We have really enjoyed the peace and quiet and the wonderful views usually appreciated over a glass of wine whilst sitting on the patio!
We too have got to know the rather timid cat who obviously considers this his domain.
Gemma thoroughly enjoyed the three hour hack with Alessandro who took her up to the stable at Vallegrande on his motorbike. He printed out places of interest and gave her background information about the area. On Gemma’s recommendation we visited their restaurant and pizzeria and ate a lovely meal.
We also visited the pizzeria in Sant’Ambrogio and ate another delicious meal after which Pete receive a very generous glass of grappa! In fact all the meals we have eaten including those in Cefalů, if you can manage to get parked, have been lovely.
Your information file was very informative and provided lots of tips eg how to get out of the sides supermarket (but remember to put your ticket in the machine outside the exit doors in the top slot and take your third ticket to the barrier from the bottom slot!)
With only one evening left we don’t know how we0re going to manage going back to work in a few days time having spent the last week sitting in hammocks reading books without a care in the world.
We wish you well in the future and many thanks for your kindness.
Judy, Pete and Gemma (Herjardshire UK )
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Casa Gatto 27/04/2009 - 04/05/2009
We (parents, Elli (3 years) and Matti (1,5 years)) enjoyed a lovely week at Casa Gatto. Although it was very cold the week before, we were lucky with the weather. It was often very windy up here - especially at nights the wind was loud around the house - but we could enjoy breakfast on the terrace with a great vieu to the sea. We loved to hear the sea waves and the birds, to smell the flowers behind the house and to watch the sea at night. Although it was to cold to sit on the terrace at night, we took our chairs to the window of the big sleeping room, lit candles, opened the windows and enjoyed the wine. The children loved to stroke the friendly dog behind the gate and the things for playing, friendly mr. Gatto gave to them.
Extremely to recommend is "La Taverna del Brogo" in S. Ambrogio which is run by a friendly couple...the food Francesco cooks is just great!
To cut a long story short. It was fantastic!
Kristin, Matti, Elli, Marluis
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Casa Gatto.
We have spent 3 wonderful weeks here at Casa Gatto. Carmelina has helped us when we needed, the wine which was waiting for us when we arrived late in the eveneng gave us a kick-start of our stay here in Sicily.
The terrace has been superb for out II mth old boy who has had a huge leap forward in his div beacuse of it. And, of course, never forgetting the spectacular view & wonderful weather.
We strongly recommend the town's pizzeria (try the "Piccante" - not so strong, but sbsolutely amazing).
If you like creamy seafood pasta go fotr Antica Corte in Cefalů, try their own specialty - ecellent!
Enjoy your stay!
Jhon, Turid, Anny, Krister, Emil and Liv
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Casa Gatto 14/06/2009 - 04/07/2009
Casa Gatto has given us one of our very memorable holydeys. We also, have just spent 3 glavious weeks here and marvelled at casa Gatto2s exeptional location. The weather has been sublime, the azure blue sea, the sky and dramatic coastline all combine to a special piece of paradise.
We have made a good use to our excursions around the island, highlights include the lovely fishing part at Trapani, the Baroque architecture of Ragusa and Noto. Catania with Mt. Etna hovenig about it is a lovely city. Of course Taormina is magical. Then the Greek temple and the teatro at Segesta and the many beautiful hilltop towns with their medieval charm.
The people we have met and been most friendly and helpful.
Many thanks Carmelina for your welcome here. We have enjoyed Est'as (the residente Alsatian) company, it has meant we haven't missed our own Battista quite so much. I think Esta's english has improved greatly!
We don't look forward to retourning to a New Zeland winter, but memories of this summer will keep us going.
Mille grazie.
Alan & Cristina Hedlund (Auckland)
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Casa Gatto 29/07/2009.
Ciao! Now we have been here for two and half fantastic weeks, but sadly we are leaving today. Casa Gatto has been our base for our Sicilian exploration. We have been all over this magnifisant island - Palermo, Erice, Scopello, Noto, Taormina, Etna, Savoca, Forza d'Agro, Segesta, Agrigento and Corleone, and many other beautiful places. Two highlights was the trips to Etna and Gole de Alcantara. The only disappointment was the excursion to Pantalica, because it was difficult to figur out were to go! We have also been on the top of Rocca Cefalů, the view was very beautiful. We will absolutely recommend you to do the same.
The days we haven't been out on the road, we have spent here at Casa Gatto out on the wonderful terrace and the rocky beach. We have enjoyed the company of the very nice and frindly dog. Be nice to her; she is only lonely and wants somebody to spend the deays with.
If you want to eat pizza, the best place to go is the local pizzeria in Sant'Ambrogio. We also recommend "La Taverna del Borgo" (Sant'Ambrogio), and in Cefalů our favorite restaurant has been "Il Ragno d'Oro" where there is good food and service.
We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we have!
Martine, Marius, Berte, Anita and Per Oer
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Casa Gatto 16/10/2009.
We are leaving Casa Gatto after a wonderful 15 days - not enough! Our kind trip to Cefalů and Sant'Ambrogio - not the last! What a great house to relax in and enjoy the views and coutry side.
The Dog - Esta - is aplus and we will miss her.
This a great spot for enjoying the many ...as well as a place to relax. The house is very spacious and offers privacy as well as accessibility.
Carmelina's hints on parking, shopping, etc. were a great help and she was easy to reach if needed.
We are now headed to the Aeolian Islands and although we are looking forward to it, we could easly spend another week here, I will especially miss the ever changing views from the two terrace; Both the weather and the time of day gave an amazing variety of spectacular sights.
Enjoy this unique spot - It is what it is!
And what it is - is magical!
Loris & Warren (Tony) (Key West, FL - USA)
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Casa Gatto 25/10/2009 - 01/11/2009
We have had a wonderful week here in Casa Gatto. What a magica place. The weather has been very kind to us - breakfast on the terrace early morning - the skies and the sea a wonderful blue.
Highlights of the week have been varied. We enjoyed two superb walks in the mountains. One from here and one on Mount Macabubbo where we saw our first (and only) wild boar! Less impressive, but very lovely, were the donkeys, ious, mars and foals and extraordinary mountains goats their restled into seeningly impossible roots and crarries on the mountain vide. The views were spectacular and we feel we have at least wathed off a little of the delicious food and wine that we have tangled in.
We recommend: the wine from Abbazia Santa Anastasia; a visit to Castelbuono followed by a walk to the armers hollies on Piano Pomo; a spectacular lunch of amazing value and quality with delightful hosts (one of whom speaks good English) at La Manna di Zabbra on the Pollina/Castelbuono road (not to be missed);
Finally the company of Esta has been very special. It is a always nice to be given such a welcome on ... after a ..day exploire. We will miss her and hope won't be too lonely.
Thank you so much Carmelina for your help, service, wine, dive, oil etc. all of which we much appreciated. Good luck with all your plans.
Sicily is a gem and Sant'Ambrogio / Casa Gatto as been a very special place to stay.
Jo & Robin (Hall) (Dorset - UK)
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Villa Boschetto 22/08/09
A super duper time with a 6 yearold, a9yearold and a 5 month bbaby!!! It was hot hot hot. The sea was a must - lovely beaches (Cefalů - lovely sand /shallas/ free showears).
The terrace here was lovely. Everything was lovely and clear and we had we needed, although an "aloe Plant in the garden would be great to ....(Mozzie) - They loved us!!!
Also, ...in the rooms and 2 extra fans to cool the light weight...down!
Cefalů was beautiful - would love to climb up the roch - not in August - must came beak.
in the village here, the ...in the tabac/ice-cream schop was lovely - great MASSIVE ice-cream and the pizzeria lovely too.
Camelina was mast helpful and the "folder" was so useful. All you could possibly need to know about the area.
We're already planning aur next trip!
PS: we're left behind 2 parsols for use on the free beaches...really good and a beach ball..
Enjoy! Ciao
Kerry, Richard, Sam, Jerry,Jack, Allie e baby Daisy
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Villa Boschetto 28/08/09
Ahimé oggi si parte!!! E si torna ad Agrigento. Serberemo un bel ricordo di questo fantastico luogo. Ci č servito tanto per rilassarci e farci stare lontani per un pň dai rumori efrastuoni del tram tram quotidiano.
I bimbi, Christian di 7 mesi e Davide di 10 anni si sono divertiti tanto...e cosě anche i grandi ossia Concetta e Stefano insieme a Stefanie e Piero e Nella.
Ma non siamo stati soli in questi giorni!!! Ci hanno fatto allegra compagnia Zanzare e api..pazienza probabilmente č colpa del gran caldo umido che ha fatto in questi giorni (siamo qui dal 23)!
Concetta ha fatto anche un breve incontro con una lepre a pochi metri dalla casa.
Consigliamo ai prossimi visitatori di assaggiare le pere dell'albero che si trova vicino all'altalena!!!
Villa Boschetto č anche accessoriata di tuto ciň che serve per viverci e Carmelina č una persona simpatica e sempre disponibile!!!
Ciao
Stefanie, Piero, Davide Christian, Cettine, Stefano e Nella
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Appartamento Manche 16/08/2008.
Domani 17 agosto 2008, (noi primi clienti) Giorgia e suo papŕ Andrea, partiamo e ritorniamo a Foggia dopo una splendida vacanza qui in Sicilia durata una settimana. Ringraziamo i proprietari di casa, il signor Mimmo, moglie e famiglia, che hanno contribuito a rendere ancora piů piacevole il nostro soggiorno.
Grazie per l'ospitalitŕ, disponibilitŕ e gentilezza, nonché per la simpatica atmosfera familiare che ci avete trasmesso con la gustosa pizza di questa sera.
Salutoni
Giorgia e Andrea (Italia)
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Appartamento Manche 11/10/2008.
Un posto stupendo, gente simpatica e cordiale. Spero proprio di poter tornare in quest'angolo di Sicilia.
Aquesad Delfino (Valle D'Aosta)
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Appartamento Manche 17/04/2009.
Thank you for your warm welcome. We have felt entirely at home during our short stay here in Sicily. we eill miss the glistening of the sun on the sea, the fragrance of your dive oil and the mountains of the Madonie, but will surely return.
Eleonor Lloyd and Alex Silverman (London, UK)
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Appartamento Manche 28/06/2009.
Mimo and his family made us feel really welcome and at home. They were very friendly and helpful and always put a smile on our faces when we meet them. Apartament Manche is really beautiful and we throughly enjoyed its spectacular view. Carmelina was fantastic and very helpful during our stay with her info and history and local tours and villages.
We have had a really relaxing holiday and are very gratful for such fantastic hosts.
Thanks you all for everything, we will back again for definite!
Paula and Sean. (Dublin, Ireland.)
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Appartamento Manche 30/07/2009.
Thank you for your hospitality. we spent beautiful days in Sicily. Our children were happy to be here and take care about your donkey. We had a nice experience of nature and beauty, of atmosphere Sicilyan surroundings.
Thank you, we had a good time here.
Stephan, Simon, Galina, Erveny (Amsterdam)
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Appartamento Manche dal 14 al 22 Agosto 2009.
Settimana fantastica tra mare, monte e gite, con Giorgia, Sofia, papŕ Filippo, mamma Daniela, nonna Anna, nonno Giuseppe. Grazie particolare alla famiglia D'Avola per l'accoglienza che ci hanno dato in questi giorni fantastici.
Noi contiamo di ritornare l'anno prossimo per rifare le vacanze, sperando che Giorgia e Sofia siano piů grandicelle e la smettano di miulare (lamentarsi) che vogliono sempre e solo ....
Scusandoci delle urla e rimproveri sempre.
Grazie di cuore per l'ospitalitŕ.
Famiglia Cusenza
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Appartamento Manche 27/08/2009.
Thank you for a wonderful holiday in Sant'Ambrogio. We loved the village wich was haspoilt and extremely charming!! The appartament was perfect and will certainly be recommended with the breath-taking views.
Signor D'Avola was lovely and welcoming. He made us feel very welcomed and was exceptionally generous...
We will be back, Mary thanks Carmelina for the true and encharting "Sicilian Exprerience".
Mary and George
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Appartamento Manche 1/09/2009
A flat with such a stunning panoramic view of the sea;
A host and large family so happy and welcoming;
A village with everithing we needed form mans on sunday to figs to granita and cafč americano.
A folder of information produced by Carmelina which answered any questions we might have had.
In all, we loved staying in Appartamento Manche, will wish to return, and will recommend it to our friends.
Sam and Françoise
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Appartamento Manche 13/09/2009.
We've had a lovely time here. The sea view made us choose it in the first place and didn't disappoint. we've seen same wonderful churches, interesting villages and places thanks to Carmelina's extensive notes.
Thank you for making us so welcome.
Sue and John
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Appartamento Manche 22/09/2009.
We have loved being here and intend to come back! The apartament and warm welcome is perfect, we found breakfast and all we needed in the village and on the beach!
We even found an unexpected but superb car (hillclimb) event in the hills!
As bikers at home we appreciated the range of 2 week-end scooter/bibe transport and wished we had reached the Aeolian islands towns - but we must leave some things for next time!
Thank you all very much for giving us sucha wonderful experience. Best wishes.
ps: apologies for tatty pages in file: info very useful!
Lynda and Dave
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02/10/09 Appartamento Manche
Thank you for your warmth, your hospitality and your charming appartament Manche with us. The view frm the launge window is breath loking and will stay with us for along time.
We lovely done .. exploring in the car mainly to Cefalů on evening, the Cathedral is a must see and the various beaches recomended by Carmelina.
.......
We love ................
Anna and...
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09/10/09 Appartamento Manche
Dear Mimmo and family, dear Carmelina, thank you very much for the short but.... stay at this hause. Although we went out for beaches and cities all day (thanks Carmelina for the tips).....likes spend only nights and mornings here it was a great experience. We'ill definitly recomennd this place to our friends. Thank you Mimmo especially for the wine and olives-yammy!
Best wishes from the early saturday morning flight bach to Freiburg
Anika And... (Freiburg (Germany))
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24/10/09 Appartamento Manche
Cari Mimmo, Mariella, Jessica e tutta la famiglia. In che modo posiamo ringraziarvi per tutto quello che avete fatto per noi? il grazioso appartamento, il panorama, la vostra ospityalitŕ ed amicizia, le passeggiate in macchina, tutte quelle piccole gentilezze, le conversazioni...ecc
Cefalů č stata sempre una cittŕ che volevo visitare e ora la conosciamo meglio! Perň che bella sorpresa č stata San'Ambrogio -una borgata dove c'č la vita! Dove ora ci sono gli amici.
č stato un privilegio passare il tempo e conoscere molta gente-specilamente i tifosi di calcio! Auguri anche a Carmelina, Marcello, Franco, Saro e Pino.
Arrivederci, speriamo un giorno...
Con affetto Ricci e Ilaria
Rich and Hilary (Bath (England))
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08/01/2010 Appartamento Manche
Dear Mimmo and famiglia, many thanks for caring so much about our well being! Gretting up in the worming with this magic sea view was wonderful.
We enjoyed your hospitality and the people's .....in San'Ambrogio, especially on the New Year's.....in the pizzeria.
We'll keep the memory of nice walks and sunny days during the rest of Berlin's cold winter hopefully!
All the best
Kati and... (Berlin)
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